Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, 52859-52862 [2021-20414]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323;
fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222–5110.
(3) The subject of this AD is addressed in
EASA AD 2021–0050, dated February 23,
2021. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in
Docket No. FAA–2021–0797.
Issued on September 15, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–20409 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0829; Project
Identifier MCAI–2021–00189–R]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021–04–21, which applies to certain
Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters. AD 2021–04–21 requires an
inspection of the attachment bolts of the
main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly
for discrepancies and repair if
necessary; part marking of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly; and repetitive inspections of
the part marking of the attachment bolts,
and repair if necessary. Since the FAA
issued AD 2021–04–21, the FAA has
determined that additional part marking
of the washer, scissor branch, and mast
ring of the corresponding nut side, and
repetitive inspections of the additional
part markings are necessary. This
proposed AD would continue to require
the actions in AD 2021–04–21; and also
would require part marking of the
washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of
the corresponding nut side, and
repetitive inspections of the additional
part markings and repair if necessary; as
specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
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proposed for incorporation by reference
(IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 8,
2021.
DATES:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for IBR
in this AD, contact the EASA, KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this material at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0829.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0829; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950
L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: (202) 267–9167; email:
hal.jensen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0829; Project Identifier
MCAI–2021–00189–R’’ at the beginning
of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this proposal
because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Hal Jensen, Aerospace
Engineer, Operational Safety Branch,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW,
Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202)
267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov.
Any commentary that the FAA receives
that is not specifically designated as CBI
will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2021–04–21,
Amendment 39–21443 (86 FR 17278,
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021–04–21), which
applies to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2021–
04–21 requires an inspection of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
assembly for discrepancies and repair if
necessary; part marking of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly; and repetitive inspections of
the part marking of the attachment bolts,
and repair if necessary. The FAA issued
AD 2021–04–21 to address broken and
bent attachment bolts of the MR hub
scissors assembly, which could lead to
detachment of a MR hub scissors
attachment bolt, possibly resulting in
complete loss of control of the
helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2021–04–21 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021–04–
21, the FAA has determined that
additional part marking of the washer,
scissor branch, and mast ring of the
corresponding nut side, and repetitive
inspections of the additional part
markings are necessary to detect
rotation of the attachment bolts of the
MR hub scissors assembly.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2021–0046, dated February 12, 2021
(EASA AD 2021–0046) (also referred to
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the
MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model
EC120B helicopters. Although EASA
AD 2021–0046 applies to all Model
EC120B helicopters, this proposed AD
would apply to helicopters with an
affected part installed instead.
This proposed AD was prompted by
a report of broken and bent attachment
bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly
and a determination that additional part
markings of the washer, scissor branch,
and mast ring of the corresponding nut
side, and repetitive inspections of the
additional part markings are necessary.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address broken and bent attachment
bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly,
which could lead to detachment of a MR
hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly
resulting in complete loss of control of
the helicopter. See the MCAI for
additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2021–0046 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
EASA AD 2021–0046 specifies
procedures for an inspection of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly for discrepancies
(discrepancies include corrosion,
fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, and
bolt tightening torque) and repair if
necessary; part marking of the washer,
scissor branch, and mast ring of the
attachment bolts and corresponding nut
side of the MR hub scissors assembly;
and repetitive inspections, after part
marking, for discrepancies, and repair if
necessary. The inspections of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub
assembly include checking the play and
torque of the scissors attachment bolts
and making sure that there are no hard
spots in the scissors link hinge.
This material is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is proposing this AD
after evaluating all the relevant
information and determining the unsafe
condition described previously is likely
to exist or develop in other products of
the same type design.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not
explicitly restate the requirements of AD
2021–04–21, this proposed AD would
retain all of the requirements of AD
2021–04–21. Those requirements are
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0046,
which, in turn, is referenced in
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with
Airbus and EASA to develop a process
to use certain EASA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding
FAA ADs. The FAA has since
coordinated with other manufacturers
and civil aviation authorities to use this
process. As a result, EASA AD 2021–
0046 will be incorporated by reference
in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance
with EASA AD 2021–0046 in its
entirety, through that incorporation,
except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. Using common terms that
are the same as the heading of a
particular section in the EASA AD does
not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example,
where the AD requirement refers to ‘‘all
required actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2021–0046 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2021–0046
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0829 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 89 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the
following costs to comply with this
proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Parts
cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
Labor cost
Inspection for discrepancies (retained actions
from AD 2021–04–21).
Part Marking (retained actions from AD 2021–
04–21).
Repetitive Inspection of Markings (retained actions from AD 2021–04–21).
Additional Part Marking (new proposed action)
Repetitive Inspection (new proposed action) ....
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ..............
$0
$340 ............................
$30,260.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..................
0
85 ................................
7,565.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..................
1 work-hours × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection cycle.
0
85 per inspection cycle
7,565 per inspection cycle.
0
0
85 ................................
85 per inspection cycle
7,565.
7,565 per inspection cycle.
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16:31 Sep 22, 2021
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
The FAA estimates that it would take
about 1 hour per product to comply
with the proposed reporting
requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based
on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting on U.S. operators to be
$7,565, or $85 per product.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
52861
actions that would be required based on
the results of any required actions. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of helicopters that might need
these on-condition actions:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Repair of the attachment bolts .....................................
4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ...........................
Cost per
product
$40
$380
Paperwork Reduction Act
Regulatory Findings
(b) Affected ADs
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this proposed AD is 2120–
0056. The paperwork cost associated
with this proposed AD has been
detailed in the Costs of Compliance
section of this document and includes
time for reviewing instructions, as well
as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all
reporting associated with this proposed
AD is mandatory. Comments concerning
the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177–
1524.
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
This AD replaces AD 2021–04–21,
Amendment 39–21443 (86 FR 17278, April 2,
2021) (AD 2021–04–21).
Authority for This Rulemaking
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: General requirements. Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by:
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2021–04–21, Amendment 39–
21443 (86 FR 17278, April 2, 2021); and
■ b. Adding the following new AD:
■
■
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA–2021–
0829; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–
00189–R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by November 8,
2021.
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This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B helicopters, certificated in
any category, having an affected part as
defined in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0046, dated
February 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0046).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code 6200, Main Rotor System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
broken and bent attachment bolts of the main
rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly and a
determination that additional part markings
of the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring
of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive
inspections of those part markings, are
necessary to detect any rotation. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address broken and bent
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly, which could lead to detachment of
a MR hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly
resulting in complete loss of control of the
helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
■
§ 39.13
(c) Applicability
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021–0046.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021–0046
(1) Where EASA AD 2021–0046 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021–0046 refers to
September 05, 2018 (the effective date of
EASA AD 2018–0186), this AD requires using
May 7, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021–
04–21).
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance
with the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2021–0046.
(4) Where the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2021–0046 specifies
to discard certain parts, this AD requires
removing those parts from service.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(5) Where EASA AD 2021–0046 refers to
flight hours (FH), this AD requires using
hours time-in-service.
(6) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD
2021–0046 refer to ‘‘discrepancies.’’ For this
AD, discrepancies include corrosion, fretting,
wear, cracking, bolt play, twist, shearing,
rupture, and bolt tightening torque.
(7) Where EASA AD 2021–0046 specifies
to contact the manufacturer for repair
instructions, this AD requires the repair to be
done in accordance with a method approved
by the Manager, General Aviation and
Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus
Helicopter’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(8) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021–0046
specifies to report inspection results to
Airbus Helicopters within a certain
compliance time. For this AD, report
inspection results at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this
AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after
May 7, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021–
04–21): Submit the report within 30 days
after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before May
7, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021–04–
21): Submit the report within 30 days after
May 7, 2021.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed.
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(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021–0046, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000;
email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet:
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material at the FAA, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110. This
material may be found in the AD docket on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2021–0829.
16:31 Sep 22, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on September 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–20414 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0803; Airspace
Docket No. 19–AAL–58]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of United States
Area Navigation Route (RNAV) T–222;
Bethel, AK
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend United States Area Navigation
(RNAV) route T–222 in the vicinity of
Bethel, AK in support of a large and
comprehensive T-route modernization
project for the state of Alaska.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before November 8, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone:
1(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA–2021–0803; Airspace Docket No.
19–AAL–58 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order
JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, and subsequent
amendments can be viewed online at
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
you can contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of the
Order at NARA, email: fr.inspection@
SUMMARY:
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the International Validation
Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant
Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone:
(202) 267–9167; email: hal.jensen@faa.gov.
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nara.gov or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher McMullin, Rules and
Regulations Group, Office of Policy,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator.
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the
agency’s authority. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of the airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
expand the availability of RNAV routing
in Alaska and improve the efficient flow
of air traffic within the National
Airspace System (NAS) by lessening the
dependency on ground based
navigation.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2021–0803; Airspace Docket No. 19–
AAL–58) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management Facility (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2021–0803; Airspace
Docket No. 19–AAL–58.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM
23SEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 182 (Thursday, September 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52859-52862]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20414]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0829; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00189-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2021-04-21, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B
helicopters. AD 2021-04-21 requires an inspection of the attachment
bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly for discrepancies
and repair if necessary; part marking of the attachment bolts of the MR
hub scissors assembly; and repetitive inspections of the part marking
of the attachment bolts, and repair if necessary. Since the FAA issued
AD 2021-04-21, the FAA has determined that additional part marking of
the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut
side, and repetitive inspections of the additional part markings are
necessary. This proposed AD would continue to require the actions in AD
2021-04-21; and also would require part marking of the washer, scissor
branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive
inspections of the additional part markings and repair if necessary; as
specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which
is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 8,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For material that is proposed for IBR in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: [email protected]; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321,
Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817-222-5110. It is also available in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0829.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0829; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer,
Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA,
950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; phone: (202) 267-9167;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0829; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00189-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Hal
Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: (202) 267-9167; email: [email protected]. Any commentary
that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued AD 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443 (86 FR 17278,
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-04-21), which applies to certain Airbus
Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2021-04-21 requires an
inspection of the attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
[[Page 52860]]
assembly for discrepancies and repair if necessary; part marking of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly; and repetitive
inspections of the part marking of the attachment bolts, and repair if
necessary. The FAA issued AD 2021-04-21 to address broken and bent
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly, which could lead to
detachment of a MR hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly resulting in
complete loss of control of the helicopter.
Actions Since AD 2021-04-21 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2021-04-21, the FAA has determined that
additional part marking of the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of
the corresponding nut side, and repetitive inspections of the
additional part markings are necessary to detect rotation of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0046, dated February 12, 2021
(EASA AD 2021-0046) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters. Although EASA AD
2021-0046 applies to all Model EC120B helicopters, this proposed AD
would apply to helicopters with an affected part installed instead.
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of broken and bent
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly and a determination
that additional part markings of the washer, scissor branch, and mast
ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive inspections of the
additional part markings are necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address broken and bent attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors
assembly, which could lead to detachment of a MR hub scissors
attachment bolt, possibly resulting in complete loss of control of the
helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0046 specifies procedures for an inspection of the
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly for discrepancies
(discrepancies include corrosion, fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play,
and bolt tightening torque) and repair if necessary; part marking of
the washer, scissor branch, and mast ring of the attachment bolts and
corresponding nut side of the MR hub scissors assembly; and repetitive
inspections, after part marking, for discrepancies, and repair if
necessary. The inspections of the attachment bolts of the MR hub
assembly include checking the play and torque of the scissors
attachment bolts and making sure that there are no hard spots in the
scissors link hinge.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all the
relevant information and determining the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Explanation of Retained Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2021-04-21, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2021-04-21. Those requirements are referenced in
EASA AD 2021-0046, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of
this proposed AD.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2021-0046 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2021-0046 will be
incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2021-0046 in its
entirety, through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified
in EASA AD 2021-0046 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2021-
0046 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0829 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 89 helicopters of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for discrepancies 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340............... $30,260.
(retained actions from AD 2021- hour = $340.
04-21).
Part Marking (retained actions 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85................. 7,565.
from AD 2021-04-21). hour = $85.
Repetitive Inspection of 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 per inspection 7,565 per
Markings (retained actions from hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
AD 2021-04-21). inspection cycle.
Additional Part Marking (new 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85................. 7,565.
proposed action). hour = $85.
Repetitive Inspection (new 1 work-hours x $85 per 0 85 per inspection 7,565 per
proposed action). hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 52861]]
The FAA estimates that it would take about 1 hour per product to
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of reporting on U.S. operators to be $7,565, or $85
per product.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these on-condition actions:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair of the attachment bolts................ 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $40 $380
$340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal
Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177-
1524.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443
(86 FR 17278, April 2, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2021-0829; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00189-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 8, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2021-04-21, Amendment 39-21443 (86 FR 17278,
April 2, 2021) (AD 2021-04-21).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B helicopters,
certificated in any category, having an affected part as defined in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0046, dated
February 12, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0046).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6200, Main Rotor
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of broken and bent attachment
bolts of the main rotor (MR) hub scissors assembly and a
determination that additional part markings of the washer, scissor
branch, and mast ring of the corresponding nut side, and repetitive
inspections of those part markings, are necessary to detect any
rotation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address broken and bent
attachment bolts of the MR hub scissors assembly, which could lead
to detachment of a MR hub scissors attachment bolt, possibly
resulting in complete loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0046.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0046
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to September 05, 2018 (the
effective date of EASA AD 2018-0186), this AD requires using May 7,
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-04-21).
(3) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0046.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0046 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
[[Page 52862]]
(5) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD
requires using hours time-in-service.
(6) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of EASA AD 2021-0046 refer to
``discrepancies.'' For this AD, discrepancies include corrosion,
fretting, wear, cracking, bolt play, twist, shearing, rupture, and
bolt tightening torque.
(7) Where EASA AD 2021-0046 specifies to contact the
manufacturer for repair instructions, this AD requires the repair to
be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch,
FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopter's EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) Paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0046 specifies to report
inspection results to Airbus Helicopters within a certain compliance
time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after May 7, 2021 (the
effective date of AD 2021-04-21): Submit the report within 30 days
after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before May 7, 2021 (the
effective date of AD 2021-04-21): Submit the report within 30 days
after May 7, 2021.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Related Information
(1) For EASA AD 2021-0046, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-
Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
[email protected]; internet: www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 817-222-5110. This material may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0829.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Hal Jensen,
Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L'Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC
20024; phone: (202) 267-9167; email: [email protected].
Issued on September 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-20414 Filed 9-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
